HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1998-10-20 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
HELD IN THE CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST
LOOP 820 - OCTOBER 20,1998 - 6:30 P.M.
Present:
Charles Scoma
Don Phifer
Lyle E. Welch
Russell Mitchell
Frank Metts, Jr.
JoAnn Johnson
Matt Milano
Cheryl Cowen Lyman
Staff:
Larry Cunningham
Randy Shiflet
Ron Ragland
Patricia Hutson
Greg Dickens
Donna Huerta
Marty Wieder
Christopher Baker
James Saint
Others Present:
Mayor
Mayor Pro T em
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman
Councilwoman
City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Secretary
Public Works Director
Communications Director
Director of Economic Development
Planner
Assistant to the City Manager
Land Use Ad Hoc Committee Members
Jerry Sylo Senior Planner, Ferrara Architects
Richard Ferrara, Sr. Ferrara Architects
Scott Rogers Planner, Ferrara Architects
Bill Gietema Arcadia Realty
Mayor Scoma called the work session to order October 20, 1998 at 6:35 p.m.
1.
VISUAL PRESENTTION BY RICHARD FERRARA ARCHITECTS, INC.
AND DISCUSSION OF THE NRH TOWN CENTER PROJECT
Mr. Jerry Sylo presented a slide presentation of different neo traditional projects. He
showed slides of Downtown Celebration, other similar projects and examples of pros
and cons of a neo traditional project. The presentation showed different characteristics
of a Town Center and issues that would need to be addressed if such a project is
developed in North Richland Hills. There was discussion on the design of the streets,
safety issues, parking, pedestrian traffic, landscaping, etc.
City Council Work Session Minutes
October 20,1998
Page 2
The Ad Hoc Committee, Mr. Ragland and Mr. Baker left the meeting after the slide
presentation.
The Council discussed the need for details to be worked out - i.e., the closeness of
houses. It was discussed that the proposed ordinances would be for a specific town
center district and that it would not be the intent for the proposed ordinances to be
applied to other parts of the City.
The City Manager advised that it was his understanding that Arcadia Realty was
planning on pursuing a planned development. Mr. Gietema advised their plans were to
apply under a planned development ordinance. He advised that several of the
surrounding property owners have asked to join and be included in the district. It was
discussed that in order to protect the integrity of the total project, the area should be
designated as a Town Center District. Mr. Gietema explained that Arcadia's position
was not to encumber or intend to encumber any other property owners in the higher
regulations. He explained that they had been approached by the other property owners
to include them, and that they have extended to the surrounding property owners the
courtesy to join with the development at their choice after approval by the Council.
The Council discussed the pros and cons of a district rather than a planned
development, and the impact the out parcels will have if it were not established as a
district. There was discussion that in addition to a town center development plan there
would also need to be a corridor plan developed. The Council discussed the request of
the homeowners in Spring Oaks Addition to be incorporated into the district. The
Council felt that if the addition were included that it would need to be grandfathered
because the addition would be non-conforming. There was concerns expressed on the
narrower streets, the flow of traffic, and parking on the streets. It was concluded that
the City Staff would make a recommendation to the Council on the district boundaries
based on input from the consultants.
The City Manager explained that if the Council decided on the district rather than a
planned development, then the district would be established and criteria for the district
would be incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance. He explained that the Council might
want to include requirements that a district would have to consist of at least 100 acres
or be contiguous with another so that it could not be done in little pieces and different
parts extracted from it. Once the classification is established in the Zoning Ordinance,
then the land use is determined and there are amendments to the Land Use Plan.
There was a concern expressed by the Council about the use of stucco in the project.
Mr. Gietema advised that it was important that the architectural style chosen be Texas
vernacular - stone, brick or real stucco. He explained that they were proposing that a
material called hardy plank be included and explained what the material was.
City Council Work Session Minutes
October 20,1998
Page 3
There was discussion on what was expected of the City financially in terms of municipal
facilities - city hall, library. City Management has been waiting on a concept design
before a public facility cost can be determined. After the public facility cost is
determined, then the Staff will discuss financing and other details with the Council and it
will be brought to the Council for a decision.
Mr. Gietema gave an overview of the phasing of the Town Center Project.
The Council discussed whether they wanted a district or planned development. The
consensus of the Council was to proceed with a zoning district.
Mayor Scoma adjourned the meeting at 9:11 p.m.
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Charles Scoma - Mayor
ATTEST:
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Patricia Hutson - City Secretary